Romantic Cities – at their most charming during Advent
Koblenz, 22/11/2022 – Once again, the run-up to Christmas, undoubtedly the cosiest and most romantic time of year, is almost upon us. The warm, homely charm of the small and medium-sized cities in Rhineland‑Palatinate captivates visitors year after year. The stunning backdrops give the Advent and Christmas markets around the Rhine and the Moselle a charm all of their own. Whether it is in the old town, in a medieval castle or historic wine cellars, every market has its own magical story to tell.
Where else could you enjoy this wonderful time of the year as much as you can in the Romantic Cities?
The Romantic Cities are Idar-Oberstein, Koblenz, Mainz, Speyer, Trier and Worms. Together with the General Directorate for Cultural Heritage Rhineland‑Palatinate (GDKE), they combine the charm of an imperial history with world-famous wines and heartfelt hospitality. But each of the cities has a unique character all of its own.
This year, the build-up to the Christmas season in the Romantic Cities starts in Koblenz. After a successful première last year, the Christmas Garden will once again be opening its doors at Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, bringing light to the darkest time of the year. The Christmas Garden is a charming two-kilometre walk through the impressive Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, which is transformed into a glittering Christmas wonderland between 17 November 2022 and 8 January 2023. The Ehrenbreitstein Fortress falls under the auspices of the General Directorate for Cultural Heritage Rhineland‑Palatinate (GDKE), which is responsible for looking after the extensive cultural heritage in Rhineland‑Palatinate.
The Christmas market in Koblenz old town opens its doors one day after the Christmas Garden. For seven weeks, the historic old town is transformed into a magical world of sparkling winter lights. The cable car right from the Deutsches Eck up to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress affords the most wonderful views over the lights of the old town. During the Advent period, there are also wintery tours of the old town, offering visitors not only an insight into the fascinating history of Koblenz but also some Christmassy tales, all topped off with a glass of local mulled wine.
The Roman city of Trier is also getting into the Christmas spirit with around 90 lovingly decorated wooden stalls. Between 18 November and 22 December, the 42nd Trier Christmas Market takes place against the romantic backdrop of the medieval main market square and the imposing cathedral. Almost every day, there is a changing programme of performances for all the family on the lovely stage in front of the west façade of the cathedral. There is also an ice rink on the Kornmarkt between 25 November and 31 January. For an insider tip, head to the Porta Nigra. There, amid the brightly lit arcades of the Brunnenhof, some 30 providers of lovingly hand-crafted regional products ply their wares at the Sterntaler Christmas Market between 24 and 27 November. The SIM Winter Lounge is another must and offers unique views of the Porta Nigra.
Unlike other cities, Speyer does not have a ‘traditional’ Christmas market. As the scent of mulled wine wafts through the air, the Speyer Christmas and New Year’s Market opens its doors to guests from all over the world on 21 November. What makes it special is that, after Christmas, it becomes a New Year’s market, which then traditionally runs until Twelfth Night. There is also an arts and crafts market in the inner courtyard of the historic town hall on the weekends of Advent.
The nativity scene in the UNESCO World Heritage Cathedral in Speyer is also worth seeing. The figures start appearing on St Nicholas Day in early December every year and it all culminates on Christmas Eve. So it is worth dropping by once or twice to admire the progress.
Mainz is also lovely at Christmas. The capital of Rhineland‑Palatinate can always find a reason to celebrate. The Mainz Christmas Market with its pretty festive stalls stretches out in front of St Martin’s Cathedral between 24 November and 23 December. The richly decorated 11-metre Christmas pyramid at the main entrance is especially worth seeing. Just a few steps further are the impressive life-size hand-carved nativity figures in front of the Gotthard Chapel of St Martin’s Cathedral. The cathedral square is not the only square in the city centre to be decked out in Christmas finery. The Mainz WinterZeit Markets on Schillerplatz, Neubrunnenplatz, Hopfengarten and the railway station forecourt are perfect for a glass of mulled wine and a browse. The stalls on Schillerplatz and Neubrunnenplatz are also open to visitors between Christmas and New Year, from 27 to 30 December.
The Christmas market in EdelSteinLand is shorter lived but no less charming. Oberstein Castle is hosting the 14th Romantic Christmas Market on 26 and 27 November. In its striking setting on a rocky outcrop over the river Nahe, Oberstein Castle provides an impressive backdrop above the old town of Oberstein. The Oberstein Christmas Market is held on the market square at the same time. On the third Sunday in Advent, 11 December, the Fischbach visitor mine just outside Idar-Oberstein celebrates the mission of the Peace Light of Bethlehem at its underground Christmas market.
The wonderful unspoilt countryside around Idar-Oberstein also boasts a number of premium long-distance hiking trails which are perfect for winter hiking. Winter in EdelSteinLand is the perfect way to relax and recharge your batteries away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Christmas in Worms is all about the Nibelungs. The city has long been closely linked to the story of the Nibelungs and its protagonists, including Siegfried the dragon slayer. During the Advent period, Worms has all sorts of treats in store for its visitors, including the Nibelung Christmas between 21 November and 23 December. Stretching from the Obermarkt to the Römischer Kaiser, it boasts culinary treats, arts and crafts, and local mulled wine. The traditional highlight of the Nibelung Christmas is the brass band sing-along on the fourth Sunday in Advent.
You can other highlights of the Christmas season in the Romantic Cities here.
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Tel.: +49 (0)261 915 200
Email: info@romantic-cities.com
Website: www.romantic-cities.com
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